ACOG Awards Local Municipalities Over $500,000 for Fleet Alternative Fuel Vehicles & Electric Vehicle Charging Projects

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) Board of Directors has approved $527,489 of Public Fleet Clean Air Grant Funding for public-sector fleet alternative fuel vehicle and electric vehicle charging projects. The City of Nichols Hills, the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA), the City of Norman, and the City of Edmond were awarded funds to defray costs related to the purchase of a new compressed natural gas (CNG) refuse truck, a new electric vehicle and electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects. 

All awarded projects will contribute to the reduction in emissions that cause ozone pollution: volatile organic compounds (VOCs), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), as well as particulate matter. Reduction of these pollutants can lead to positive public health outcomes for Central Oklahomans. It is estimated that these projects will reduce these criteria pollutants by at least 221 pounds annually.  

“Alternative fuel and electrified fleets play a critical role in improving Central Oklahoma’s air quality, said Mark W. Sweeney, ACOG Executive Director. “Leadership from these organizations helps us stay in-attainment of federal air quality standards.” 

A soon-to-be released ACOG Cost of Nonattainment Study outlines $9-15 billion in economic impacts to the region in the event the region is designated nonattainment by the EPA. 

Applicants were scored in a competitive grant process based on air pollution emission reductions through replacement of older high-mileage vehicles with new alternative fuel vehicles or new alternative fuel and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. 

The ACOG Public Fleet Clean Air Grant program is funded through the Congestion Mitigation of Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program. This program provides a flexible funding source for state and local governments to fund transportation projects to help meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act and its amendments.